Banff Upper Hot Springs / Radium Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs are two of the most emblematic thermal baths in the Canadian Rockies, drawing visitors in search of relaxation for over a century. While Banff, sitting at 1,585 meters above sea level, is Canada's highest elevated hot spring, Radium in Kootenay National Park is renowned for its odorless, mineral-rich water. Both locations serve as excellent complements to demanding mountain hikes. The water in Banff was discovered in 1883 by railway workers, and today's facility preserves the historic 1930s bathhouse architecture, offering uninterrupted views of Mount Rundle. Radium Hot Springs is positioned between the dramatic rock walls of Sinclair Canyon. A unique feature of Radium is the complete lack of sulfur smell, as the water contains no sulfur. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are frequently spotted in the immediate area. While bathing is the main attraction, nearby restaurants offer excellent Alberta beef steaks and hearty mountain fare. Banff is accessible from Calgary in under an hour and a half via Highway 1, while reaching Radium Hot Springs requires an additional 90-minute scenic drive on Highway 93 across the continental divide. The hot springs are open year-round but provide a truly exceptional experience during the winter months, allowing visitors to soak in 38-degree Celsius water while watching the snowfall on frozen peaks. During the summer season, the pools are extremely popular with hikers as a post-trail recovery, making early morning visits highly recommended.

Nearby cities

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is a southern Alberta city built around the Oldman River valley.

Red Deer

Red Deer is a central Alberta city between Calgary and Edmonton.

Airdrie

Airdrie sits just north of Calgary and has grown into a busy commuter city.

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie is a growing city in northwestern Alberta and a key centre for the Peace region.

Fort McMurray

The urban service area for the oil sands region in Alberta.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is a southeastern Alberta city on the South Saskatchewan River.

St. Albert

An affluent suburban city northwest of Edmonton.

Banff / Canmore

Banff and Canmore are world-famous mountain towns in the Canadian Rockies, celebrated for their dramatic peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, …

Banff

Banff is a prominent resort town situated within the Banff National Park in Alberta, surrounded by towering peaks and outdoor adventures.

Fernie

Historic Fernie is nestled in the Elk Valley of the Rocky Mountains, renowned for its epic winter snowfall and Victorian charm.

Golden

Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, Golden is surrounded by six national parks.

Jasper

Jasper is a mountain town in the Canadian Rockies and the commercial center of the 11,000 square kilometer Jasper National Park.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a world-renowned hamlet in Banff National Park, famous for its striking turquoise lake and the Victoria Glacier.

Banff / Lake O'Hara region (Field)

Field is a small village serving as the gateway to Yoho National Park and the highly restricted Lake O'Hara alpine area.

Banff (Lake Minnewanka)

A premier alpine area within Banff National Park featuring skiing at Banff Sunshine and the glacial waters of Lake Minnewanka.

History & landmarks

Drumheller

The dinosaur capital of the world, located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands.

Peace Bridge (Calgary)

A distinctive pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Bow River.

Calgary Tower

A 191-metre observation tower in downtown Calgary.

Scotiabank Saddledome

An iconic arena in Calgary, known for its saddle-shaped roof.

Edmonton Funicular

An incline elevator that provides easy access between downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Nature

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Jasper National Park and one of the best-known landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.

Bow River

A river in Alberta that originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through Calgary.

More places

Mount Temple

A prominent mountain in Banff National Park, towering over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Cascade Mountain

A massive mountain towering directly over the town of Banff, a classic postcard view.

Mount Rundle

An iconic, wedge-shaped mountain overlooking Banff, one of the most photographed peaks.

Columbia Icefield

The largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, feeding water into three different oceans.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park is a large family amusement park west of Calgary.

Bar U Ranch

A National Historic Site showcasing the history of the ranching industry in Western Canada from its late 19th-century beginnings.

Mount Columbia

The highest point in Alberta, located on the Columbia Icefield.

Glenbow Museum

An art and history museum in Calgary that documents the history of Western Canada.